The advantages: a much needed global exposure and a degree from an international university. Among some of the international distance learning courses are the MBAs of the University of Strathclyde and University of Durham through the British Council in India. The University of London is starting an MBA course in International Management via distance learning in September 1999.

The University of Strathclyde offers a two-year course, with optional contact sessions over weekends, costing --7,700. TheUniversity of Durham's three-year MBA costs --7,200, while the University of London's diploma course will cost £4,550 and its Master's course £6,500. You can complete the Master's course in 2-5 years. Registrations for the University of London MBA will close on July 31, 1999. Assessment is via examinations and a research report of 12,000 words.

In the UK, distance learning is not a new concept and was started way back in 1858. Since then, it has regularly been expanding with professional bodies starting distance learning in 1900, the founding of the National Extension College in 1963 and the Open University in 1969. Says Susan Gidman of the University of London (external): ``Over 200 UK institutions offer 250 subjects and 2,000 courses from 10+1 to the Master's level via distance learning. The advantages are that you study in your own time and at your own pace. It is a rapidly growing field and as competition intensifies, people will be looking for value additions to their educational qualifications, withdistance learning emerging as the most sought after option. It best suits people in the 24-48 year age range.''

But before you take up distance learning, it is important to keep your career goals in mind. For instance, if you want to pursue pure sciences or engineering, distance learning is of no use as theoretical experience has to be backed by practical exposure, an obvious limitation of correspondence courses. On the other hand, if you are looking for social sciences, vocational courses such as media studies or management, distance learning will assist you to bridge the gaps in your qualifications.

Says Norman Parrington of the University of Sunderland: ``Distance learning offers an enormous range of subjects and is flexible. You can earn while you learn and teachers are specifically preparing material for you. Also, the growth in communication as in the Internet, video conferencing, fax and e-mail has helped increase dialogue between student and supervisor.''But such a system has some significantdisadvantages, cautions Parrington. These include high drop-out rates in the initial phase of the course because of isolation, though this may not be always true as Internet users do work efficiently while they are physically cut off from the world.

Distance learning is not just a matter of enrolling for a course which you then study at your own pace, says Gidman and points out that discipline, motivation, determination, patience, perseverance, commitment and an ability to make good use of your time is of utmost importance. ``You should be able to put aside a minimum of 20 hours a week for self-study. This can be a huge commitment since you are working on a regular job. If you are an early bird, it will be wonderful. Normally, distance learning courses take double the time of regular courses. But that should not be an excuse to drag on needlessly,'' she adds.

Despite the apparent advantages of distance learning, in India, it is not seen as a serious qualification. Most people hold the impression that aperson pursuing studies through a correspondence course must have failed to get admission as a regular student. Counters Gidman: ``In the UK, there is a national system of quality assurance and external examiners who ensure that high standards are maintained. It is a misnomer that distance learning is not up to the mark. Work is assessed continuously through written assignments. The ultimate arbiter is the examination, whether you are in the London School of Economics, a little known institute, or a distance learning course.''

As competition intensifies, professionals need to constantly update their knowledge and acquire new skills. Distance learning is the option that can help you plug vital gaps in your experience.